cliff. members of congress are still pointing firngs over who is to blame for the lack of progress. meanwhile, connecticut's independent senator, joe lieberman expects congress to work right up until the new year's eve deadline. he's not sure that will be enough. >> it's first time i'm more likely that we'll go over the cliff than not. if we allow that to happen, it will be the most colossal consequential act of congressional irresponsibility in a long time. >> the president and congress are on short holiday breaks. they're due back later in the week. one possibility in all of this mess is a partial deal on taxes while putting off agreement on spending until some time down the road. >>> former president george h.w. bush may be spending thanksgiving in the hospital. he's been there since thanksgiving. he's battling bronchitis and a lingering cough. >>> south africans are sending warm wishes to former president nelson mandela. he's been in the hospital f two weeks with a lung infection. he's s